Dermatology nurses specialize in treating and caring for patients who have diseases, wounds, and other kinds of skin conditions. Common conditions that dermatology nurses will treat include things like eczema, acne, skin cancer, rashes, atopic dermatitis, skin infections, hair loss, and psoriasis. These nurses work in a wide variety of healthcare settings which include plastic surgery offices, aesthetic clinics, dermatology offices, and hospitals. They commonly assist physicians in carrying out pre post-operative care for patients who have procedures like laser treatments, chemical peels, or surgeries. Educating patients and their caregivers is also an important aspect of dermatology nursing.
What Are Some Dermatology Nurse Duties?
Common tasks that are carried out by dermatology nurses include but aren't limited to:
Assist in performing physical assessments and skin exams
Take and record patient medical history
Assist physicians in performing cosmetic dermatology procedures
Carry out pre and post-operative care for patients undergoing various procedures
Perform procedures like laser treatment, tattoo removal, chemical peels, and other treatments
Evaluate, monitor, and treat skin wounds
Perform wound care
Be familiar with the various kinds of wound dressings, wound care routines and methods, and topical medications
Educate patients on skin protecting methods
Be familiar with various methods used to treat acne, medication risks, and alternative topical medications
Where Do Dermatology Nurses Work?
Dermatology nurses are hired to work in medical facilities that treat skin conditions. These may include:
Hospitals
Private practice offices
Healthcare clinics
Burn care centers
Plastic surgery offices
Cosmetology centers
Dermatology offices
Laser treatment centers
How to Become a Dermatology Nurse
An interest in dermatology is essential for this specialty nursing role. A prospective dermatology nurse will have the right combination of education and experience in a dermatology-related environment. Eventually, certification can be obtained in the area of care.
Step 1: Educational Requirements
Aspirants who would like someday to begin a career as a dermatology nurse must first in and earn a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN degree from an accredited university or college. Upon completing one of these programs and passing the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure, you'll need to gain a bit of clinical experience in the field before you can sit for the Dermatology Nurse Certification Exam which is administered by the Dermatology Nurse Certification Board., After you have successfully passed this exam, you'll then be officially considered a Certified Dermatology Nurse.
Do Dermatology Nurses Need an RN Degree?
Dermatology nurses will need to hold an unencumbered RN license and have some experience in the field before they're eligible to take the Dermatology Nurse Certification (DNC) exam. An ADN or BSN is appropriate for this role.
The Dermatology Nurse Certification Board is the organization that administers the exam you must pass in order to gain the Dermatology Nursing Certification. To qualify for the DNCB's multiple choice certification exam, you must:
Possess a BSN or ADN degree from an accredited nursing education program
Possess a currently active and unencumbered RN license
Have at least two years of experience as an RN
Have at least 2,000 hours of clinical practice in the dermatology nursing sector
Dermatology Nursing Jobs, Salary & Employment
The potential for job opportunities within the field of dermatology nursing is great since it encompasses a wide variety of patient populations and conditions to treat. Furthermore, an increase in occurrences of skin cancer in the U.S., along with various technological advancements in cosmetic dermatology, suggests that there's an extremely favorable career outlook for those pursuing a career as a dermatology nurse.
Job Description & Information
Essential Skills Needed - Strong attention to detail, the ability to stand on your feet for long periods of time, empathy and compassion, ability to work with hands, strong communication abilities, and the ability to work under stress
Job Outlook - The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that employment positions for dermatology nurses will increase by around at least 16% between 2014 and 2024. Because dermatology nurses must complete rigorous and time-consuming educational programs, it's only reasonable to expect that their employment rates will be similar to those of traditional RNs in the coming years.
What Is the Average Salary of a Dermatology Nurse?
According to ZipRecruiter, the median annual salary for dermatology nurses is reported at approximately $80,103. Because these salary figures are related to the current number of reported job openings in the field, they are subject to change. Salaries will also vary depending on factors which include the employing organization, the city, and state of employment, the nurse's education levels and credentials, and the years of clinical experience that they have under their belt. Dermatology nurses will also enjoy benefits packages which generally include things like medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. It also isn't uncommon for dermatology nurses to be given a few weeks of paid time off each year.
